JKIA Terminal A1 for International Arrivals/SCREENGRAB
The government is focused on promoting eco-friendly tourism to enhance competitiveness, as Kenya expects to welcome three million visitors this year.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved new measures aimed at enhancing the tourism sector as it seeks to cash in on the expected windfall.
The meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, resolved to enhance investment in meetings, offer incentives to sector players, accelerate marketing strategies, and improve conferences and exhibitions.
"Key initiatives include promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, expanding community-based tourism, and targeting key markets such as the United States and China."
In noting that cruise tourism has surged 163.5 per cent, the Cabinet further resolved to boost investment in port infrastructure
The forecasted arrival of three million tourists will represent a 600,000 surge from the 2024 figures, where the country recorded the arrival of 2.4 million international tourists, representing a 14.6 per cent increase from the previous year.
The visitors generated Sh452 billion in revenue for the country.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet gave a positive appraisal of the local tourism, which it said has continued to thrive, with 2024 witnessing a 12 per cent rise in bed-night occupancy.
As part of enhancing eco-friendly tourism and safeguarding public health, the Cabinet further approved the removal of asbestos roofing from all public and private facilities.
Asbestos has been linked to various types of cancer, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer.
The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount and length of exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil, composed of long and thin fibrous crystals.
It was popular in the construction industry in the 1960s and 1970s, but some buildings still have them despite the risks associated with prolonged exposure to them.
"The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) will oversee the safe removal, disposal, and handling of asbestos. The government anticipates that this initiative will reduce future disease burden, cut healthcare costs, and enhance environmental safety," the Cabinet said.
It said county governments will establish designated disposal sites while owners of the buildings will foot the cost of removal in line with the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle.
